Lymph drainage therapy or LDT is a hands-on method of lymphatic drainage, originating in France.  It allows practitioners to detect the direction, rhythm, quality, and depth of the lymph flow as it passes through body areas in the patient.  The practitioner can then map the lymphatic flow to assess the best alternate pathways for draining stagnating areas of body fluid.

The therapist works with flat hands and extended fingers to simulate very gentle and specific wave-like movements that activate the lymphatic and interstitial fluid circulation and stimulate the function of the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous systems.  When these things are accomplished, there can be many effects.  These include:

• Detoxification of the body
• Reduction in swelling from extra fluid on the body
• Anti-aging properties
• Relief of chronic and subacute inflammations
• Reduction in chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms and fibromyalgia symptoms
• Relief of chronic pain
• Antispasmodic actions that relieve an increase in muscle tone
• The deep relaxation that helps, stress, insomnia, loss of vitality, and loss of memory
• Relief of constipation

Lymph drainage therapy is non-invasive and is performed by trained practitioners. The best results can be obtained after having accurate knowledge of the body’s anatomy and physiology and knowing the proper ways to lay on hands to affect the flow of lymph.  Lymph can be blocked due to scarring and trauma to the body, and the trick is to find alternate means of allowing the lymph to flow.

Lymph especially flows in the breast and pelvic area.  These are most amenable to lymph drainage therapy. Breast tissue is delicate and shouldn’t be worked on roughly.  It can damage the Cooper’s ligaments of the breast, causing sagging of the breast.  A light touch can provide movement of fluid without damage.

Several scientists have worked over the years to understand how the lymphatic system flows.  It has more function than just drawing toxins away from body parts for removal by the body.

Electrolytes, microorganisms, toxins, and other waste products are absorbed by the lymph system and then filtered purified, and concentrated. Lymph flow can stagnate for several reasons, including swelling, lack of physical activity, chronic inflammation, tiredness, and emotional shock.  Wearing the wrong bras can affect lymph flow and can block lymph flow. Practitioners of lymphatic drainage therapy understand how this lymph flows and can facilitate its flow, so it doesn’t further stagnate.

If allowed to stagnate, it can enable proteins and toxins to accumulate around cells, thus reducing cellular oxygenation and can reduce cellular regeneration. Using the lymph nodes, which receive lymph fluid, more lymphocytes are made that can help kill off infectious cells. Practitioners of lymphatic drainage techniques understand that different layers of lymph low can be accessed by the hands doing the method.

I’m Ed Smith, a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Sacramento. Lymph drainage therapy is an alternate way to help drain stagnating areas of body fluid. If you or someone you love has suffered serious brain injuries in a traumatic accident, call me today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.

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Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 1.13.21]

Image by Cedric Clooth from Pixabay